SEPTEMBER 23 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2011
CHARACTER
DEFINITION:
The features and traits that form the individual nature of a person; moral or ethical excellence; honesty; fortitude; distinctive.
SCRIPTURE:
“Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:11.
“But a generous man devises generous things and by generosity he shall stand.” Isaiah 32:8
“A good name is more desirable than great riches.” Proverbs 22:1
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Some time ago we went to see one of our grandsons play baseball at his little league field. There were signs on all the screens protecting the spectators from foul balls. The signs all read: YOUR CHILDREN ARE WATCHING! What does this say about the character of parents today? These signs have been placed there to remind the adults to watch there language, eliminate their harsh criticism of umpires, coaches and even players. What has happened to our character today? Should we have to be reminded to set a good example for our children?
Many will say that it is next to impossible today, humanly speaking, with all the pressures of our culture and society on a person, to live a life that is honest, exemplary and shows character. The Christian today has a responsibility to live the kind of life that shows good character in all he or she does. This can only happen when one turns his life over to the Lord and then leans on the Lord totally.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Christians at Galatia to be concerned about their character. Paul said that if our lives are controlled by the Holy Spirit, God will produce in us the characteristics of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. [Galatians 5:22-23] As you look at these character traits that Paul outlines in these verses, do you need to improve on any of them in your life?
Some of us need to show a little more gentleness and love to our family or possibly we need to show a little more kindness to a neighbor. Perhaps at the top of your list should be to spend more time in prayer and in reading Gods Word. It is not what you do, but it is who you are that is most important, but we become known by what we do. If you are a Christian and are of good character, it will be evident by your actions.
It is our actions that give us a good name. Solomon with all his wealth said a good name is more to be desired than riches. Do your friends and family see you as a person of good character who stands for what is right in every way every day?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse is found this week in I Corinthians 10:13.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
PRAYER:
I come to You dear God asking for the courage and strength to live a life today that shows Christ-honoring character in my life. May others see Christ through me? Help me to be an example to my family and to those I meet and talk to today.
September 25, 2011
Worship: September 22, 2011
SEPTEMBER 22 2011 TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
WORSHIP
DEFINITION:
Reverent honor and homage paid to God; formal or ceremonious rendering of such honor; adoring, reverence or regard.
SCRIPTURE:
“Because He is your Lord, worship Him.” Psalm 45:11.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Psalm 95:6
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Worship is our way to show that we honor and reverence God. He is all powerful and all knowing but more than that He is a loving and just God. He loved us so much that He was not willing for us to die in our sins so He sent His only Son to suffer and die for our sins. Because of this alone, He deserves our worship.
We worship the Lord with praise and thanksgiving for who He is and for the salvation He provided for us through Jesus Christ. We also worship Him for all the blessings He has given to us. James reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from our father in heaven [James 1:7]. We have an awesome God, how can we not worship Him?
We have been in Kenya several times representing our ministry, World Opportunities International. One of the highlights of each trip was visiting some of the 75 churches we sponsored. We learned from them what true worship was all about. These dear people filled their churches to capacity every time the doors were opened. Most of them walked for miles to get to their church. They had no cars and could not afford any city buses that may have been available. Many were standing outside looking in through the open windows. We never have heard such singing from the heart. They would sit or stand for hours taking in every word that was being preached.
And when the offering was taken we learned so much about worship through their giving. They worshipped God in the offering with a tithe of what God had given them. We saw chickens, vegetables and even clothes being given.
Many times we have compared the worship of these dear Kenyans with the church here in America. What a difference! We are sure you know what we mean. What happens when the preacher speaks too long or the service is longer then an hour?
After we were first married and went to Korea for World Vision, one of the first things that was brought to our attention was the early morning prayer meetings. At 6:00A.M. EVERY MORNING the churches were filled to capacity for their daily prayer meeting as they worshipped God together. They recognized the importance of worshipping God and were willing to get up before daybreak to honor the Lord by joining with fellow believers in worship.
They prayed daily for their country, for their churches and for their countrymen who did not know the Lord. South Korea was known as a Christian nation because they demonstrated their faith in God through prayer and worship. Over half of their population was classified as Christians. This was a great lesson to us about worship and prayer. Our world today needs to make the worshipping of our Lord a priority in our daily lives.
When you are worshipping in the presence of God, this is a time for God to talk to you. A good indicator of our spiritual temperature is our eagerness to worship God. Our worship of God here on earth is only a prelude to the great worship services we will have in the future when we are in the presence of God. We encourage you to worship God daily and live for what you will not regret when you die.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 10:13.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
PRAYER:
Give me today a spirit of worship. Help me to worship You, my God, my Lord and my Savior. I bring all that I have to You today so that as I worship You, You can use me as you see fit. Bless my family, my friends and those in the world we live in that are lonely, hungry and searching for hope that only You can give.
WORSHIP
DEFINITION:
Reverent honor and homage paid to God; formal or ceremonious rendering of such honor; adoring, reverence or regard.
SCRIPTURE:
“Because He is your Lord, worship Him.” Psalm 45:11.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Psalm 95:6
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Worship is our way to show that we honor and reverence God. He is all powerful and all knowing but more than that He is a loving and just God. He loved us so much that He was not willing for us to die in our sins so He sent His only Son to suffer and die for our sins. Because of this alone, He deserves our worship.
We worship the Lord with praise and thanksgiving for who He is and for the salvation He provided for us through Jesus Christ. We also worship Him for all the blessings He has given to us. James reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from our father in heaven [James 1:7]. We have an awesome God, how can we not worship Him?
We have been in Kenya several times representing our ministry, World Opportunities International. One of the highlights of each trip was visiting some of the 75 churches we sponsored. We learned from them what true worship was all about. These dear people filled their churches to capacity every time the doors were opened. Most of them walked for miles to get to their church. They had no cars and could not afford any city buses that may have been available. Many were standing outside looking in through the open windows. We never have heard such singing from the heart. They would sit or stand for hours taking in every word that was being preached.
And when the offering was taken we learned so much about worship through their giving. They worshipped God in the offering with a tithe of what God had given them. We saw chickens, vegetables and even clothes being given.
Many times we have compared the worship of these dear Kenyans with the church here in America. What a difference! We are sure you know what we mean. What happens when the preacher speaks too long or the service is longer then an hour?
After we were first married and went to Korea for World Vision, one of the first things that was brought to our attention was the early morning prayer meetings. At 6:00A.M. EVERY MORNING the churches were filled to capacity for their daily prayer meeting as they worshipped God together. They recognized the importance of worshipping God and were willing to get up before daybreak to honor the Lord by joining with fellow believers in worship.
They prayed daily for their country, for their churches and for their countrymen who did not know the Lord. South Korea was known as a Christian nation because they demonstrated their faith in God through prayer and worship. Over half of their population was classified as Christians. This was a great lesson to us about worship and prayer. Our world today needs to make the worshipping of our Lord a priority in our daily lives.
When you are worshipping in the presence of God, this is a time for God to talk to you. A good indicator of our spiritual temperature is our eagerness to worship God. Our worship of God here on earth is only a prelude to the great worship services we will have in the future when we are in the presence of God. We encourage you to worship God daily and live for what you will not regret when you die.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 10:13.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
PRAYER:
Give me today a spirit of worship. Help me to worship You, my God, my Lord and my Savior. I bring all that I have to You today so that as I worship You, You can use me as you see fit. Bless my family, my friends and those in the world we live in that are lonely, hungry and searching for hope that only You can give.
Persecution: September 21, 2011
SEPTEMBER 21 2011 TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2011
PERSECUTION
DEFINITION:
The act of persecuting; subject to harassing or cruel treatment as a result of religion, race, or beliefs; to annoy or trouble persistently; oppress.
SCRIPTURE:
“Bless those that persecute you.” Romans 12:14.
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” Matthew 5:11-12.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When we think of persecution we think of one being killed or martyred for the cause of Christ. But there are other issues that are considered persecution. Some may think that persecution is living in an unstable home situation, being talked to critically by a peer or friend or being hurt by somebody physically or mentally.
Teenagers today feel they are being “persecuted” by peers at their school who do not let them into their “group.” Being accepted today is vital to children, youth and even adults. When one is not accepted they feel persecuted.
Many times non-acceptance comes as a result of one’s strong stand for Christian standards and beliefs. Christians are often ridiculed and discriminated against. Jesus taught that we should consider ourselves blessed when we are persecuted if it is because of our faith. If this is so, we are not alone. Jesus certainly was persecuted and so were His disciples, other prophets and many that we read about in the Old and New Testament. If we are persecuted for our faith it means that we are doing what is right in God’s sight and that we are being faithful to our belief in the Lord.
Jesus said we are blessed when people revile and persecute us. It is difficult to feel blessed when we are persecuted, so why does Jesus say we are blessed? He tells us that it is because “great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11-12 above)
Recently we read that over 70 million Christians have been martyred in the last 20 centuries because of their Christian faith. But the more startling fact is that more than 50% of these 70 million have been martyred in the last 60 years.
Persecution severely tests our faith. When we consider how these martyrs were willing to suffer for their faith, we must ask ourselves how much we would be willing to suffer to stand up for our Lord and Savior. It takes great faith to stand strong in the face of persecution.
We urge you to be faithful in reading God’s Word and these “Today’s Word” devotionals which will help you know and understand how God wants you to deal with issues you face in life. It is only as we grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s Word that we grow in our relationship with God and with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The closer our relationship with our Lord the stronger will be our faith. Only with strong faith will we be able to endure persecution.
Here in America many feel that we are turning away from our spiritual principles that our country was founded on. One of the reasons we feel this way is that Christians are silent about their faith. Even though we may risk some persecution from others we need to speak up and be heard. When persecution comes are way, just remember the persecution that Jesus went through for our salvation.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 10:13.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord for what You did for me by dying on the cross. Help me to represent You today with a new fervor and drive so that others will have no doubt as to what I believe. Help me to challenge my family and Christian friends to join me in standing tall for You.
PERSECUTION
DEFINITION:
The act of persecuting; subject to harassing or cruel treatment as a result of religion, race, or beliefs; to annoy or trouble persistently; oppress.
SCRIPTURE:
“Bless those that persecute you.” Romans 12:14.
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” Matthew 5:11-12.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When we think of persecution we think of one being killed or martyred for the cause of Christ. But there are other issues that are considered persecution. Some may think that persecution is living in an unstable home situation, being talked to critically by a peer or friend or being hurt by somebody physically or mentally.
Teenagers today feel they are being “persecuted” by peers at their school who do not let them into their “group.” Being accepted today is vital to children, youth and even adults. When one is not accepted they feel persecuted.
Many times non-acceptance comes as a result of one’s strong stand for Christian standards and beliefs. Christians are often ridiculed and discriminated against. Jesus taught that we should consider ourselves blessed when we are persecuted if it is because of our faith. If this is so, we are not alone. Jesus certainly was persecuted and so were His disciples, other prophets and many that we read about in the Old and New Testament. If we are persecuted for our faith it means that we are doing what is right in God’s sight and that we are being faithful to our belief in the Lord.
Jesus said we are blessed when people revile and persecute us. It is difficult to feel blessed when we are persecuted, so why does Jesus say we are blessed? He tells us that it is because “great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11-12 above)
Recently we read that over 70 million Christians have been martyred in the last 20 centuries because of their Christian faith. But the more startling fact is that more than 50% of these 70 million have been martyred in the last 60 years.
Persecution severely tests our faith. When we consider how these martyrs were willing to suffer for their faith, we must ask ourselves how much we would be willing to suffer to stand up for our Lord and Savior. It takes great faith to stand strong in the face of persecution.
We urge you to be faithful in reading God’s Word and these “Today’s Word” devotionals which will help you know and understand how God wants you to deal with issues you face in life. It is only as we grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s Word that we grow in our relationship with God and with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The closer our relationship with our Lord the stronger will be our faith. Only with strong faith will we be able to endure persecution.
Here in America many feel that we are turning away from our spiritual principles that our country was founded on. One of the reasons we feel this way is that Christians are silent about their faith. Even though we may risk some persecution from others we need to speak up and be heard. When persecution comes are way, just remember the persecution that Jesus went through for our salvation.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 10:13.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord for what You did for me by dying on the cross. Help me to represent You today with a new fervor and drive so that others will have no doubt as to what I believe. Help me to challenge my family and Christian friends to join me in standing tall for You.
Integrity: September 20, 2011
SEPTEMBER 20 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
INTEGRITY
DEFINITION:
Uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
SCRIPTURE:
Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you noticed my friend Job? There is no one quite like him, honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil? He still has a firm grip on his integrity. You tried to trick me into destroying him, but it did not work.” Job 2:3.
“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who walks crooked paths will be found out” Proverbs 10:9
“I have walked in my integrity, I have trusted the Lord.” Psalm 26:1
“The integrity of the upright will guide thee.” Proverbs 11:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
It is very difficult today to find a person with integrity. We have heard some say that you can not be successful in life unless you cut corners somewhere. We have always desired and tried to practice being honest and forthright to all that we work with and meet daily. Being a person of integrity is one of the most important characteristics one can have in life.
In Proverbs 10:9, it reads that when we have integrity we can walk securely because we do not have to worry that we will be found out and our dishonesty will be revealed. When a person loses his or her integrity it is almost impossible to build it back.
Children today make many of their choices in life based on what they see their parents do. They can see when items come home from the office that does not belong to their parents. They can see when a parent short changes a friend. They know when they hear their parents are not being truthful when talking to others. If a parent compromises his or her integrity, the first to see it is a child or a spouse.
Children and parents today live in a “ME” generation and therefore integrity takes second place to the thought that if I benefit it is all right and one shows no concern if it compromises their integrity.
The Bible gives us in the Old Testament the Ten Commandments. These were given to us so that we may know what God expects of us. When any of these commandments are broken, the integrity of the one that broke that commandment is in question. And that is where the Lord comes in because He needs to be an intimate part of our daily routine.
God honors those that honor Him. Psalm 41:12 is a reminder to us that God rewards integrity when the psalmist said, “You (God) uphold me in my integrity.” The Bible gives instance after instance of God’s blessing on the lives of people who serve the Lord with integrity. Look at the story of Job and be reminded how God protected him because of his integrity through probably the most difficult series of testing that any one has gone through.
Read again Job 2:3 (above) and ask yourself the question, “Would God be able to say about me what He said about Job?”
In Genesis 39, we are given an example of integrity as seen in the life of Joseph. Potiphar had put Joseph in charge of his house and all that he had. Then Joseph was approached by Pontiphar’s wife who put him in a compromising position. Joseph responded quickly and firmly by saying that he could not sin against God and against his master, Potiphar. He knew God’s standard and chose to stand for right. That is integrity.
NO LEGACY IS AS RICH AS ONES INTEGRITY
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 10:13:
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
PRAYER:
Give me strength this day to live each moment with integrity. May my words and deeds honor You and I ask for Your protection as I face temptations today. Bless my family and my world and give me opportunities to show my integrity to others so You can be seen through me today.
INTEGRITY
DEFINITION:
Uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
SCRIPTURE:
Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you noticed my friend Job? There is no one quite like him, honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil? He still has a firm grip on his integrity. You tried to trick me into destroying him, but it did not work.” Job 2:3.
“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who walks crooked paths will be found out” Proverbs 10:9
“I have walked in my integrity, I have trusted the Lord.” Psalm 26:1
“The integrity of the upright will guide thee.” Proverbs 11:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
It is very difficult today to find a person with integrity. We have heard some say that you can not be successful in life unless you cut corners somewhere. We have always desired and tried to practice being honest and forthright to all that we work with and meet daily. Being a person of integrity is one of the most important characteristics one can have in life.
In Proverbs 10:9, it reads that when we have integrity we can walk securely because we do not have to worry that we will be found out and our dishonesty will be revealed. When a person loses his or her integrity it is almost impossible to build it back.
Children today make many of their choices in life based on what they see their parents do. They can see when items come home from the office that does not belong to their parents. They can see when a parent short changes a friend. They know when they hear their parents are not being truthful when talking to others. If a parent compromises his or her integrity, the first to see it is a child or a spouse.
Children and parents today live in a “ME” generation and therefore integrity takes second place to the thought that if I benefit it is all right and one shows no concern if it compromises their integrity.
The Bible gives us in the Old Testament the Ten Commandments. These were given to us so that we may know what God expects of us. When any of these commandments are broken, the integrity of the one that broke that commandment is in question. And that is where the Lord comes in because He needs to be an intimate part of our daily routine.
God honors those that honor Him. Psalm 41:12 is a reminder to us that God rewards integrity when the psalmist said, “You (God) uphold me in my integrity.” The Bible gives instance after instance of God’s blessing on the lives of people who serve the Lord with integrity. Look at the story of Job and be reminded how God protected him because of his integrity through probably the most difficult series of testing that any one has gone through.
Read again Job 2:3 (above) and ask yourself the question, “Would God be able to say about me what He said about Job?”
In Genesis 39, we are given an example of integrity as seen in the life of Joseph. Potiphar had put Joseph in charge of his house and all that he had. Then Joseph was approached by Pontiphar’s wife who put him in a compromising position. Joseph responded quickly and firmly by saying that he could not sin against God and against his master, Potiphar. He knew God’s standard and chose to stand for right. That is integrity.
NO LEGACY IS AS RICH AS ONES INTEGRITY
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 10:13:
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
PRAYER:
Give me strength this day to live each moment with integrity. May my words and deeds honor You and I ask for Your protection as I face temptations today. Bless my family and my world and give me opportunities to show my integrity to others so You can be seen through me today.
Despair: September 19, 2011
SEPTEMBER 19 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2011.
DESPAIR
DEFINITION:
Loss of hope; hopelessness; a state of mind caused by circumstances that seem too much to cope with; a sense of futility.
SCRIPTURE:
“For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great in His unfailing love”. Lamentations 3:31-32.
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles”. Psalm 34:17
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Most of us at some time in our life will experience despair --- that state of mind caused by circumstances that seem too much to cope with. Despair is what is felt by those who are so poor they do not know when they will eat again. The loss of a job for one or both parents brings despair to a family. Single moms often experience the feeling of despair as they are left to be mother and father to their child or children. With the feeling of despair comes the feeling that God no longer cares.
In the book of Ruth we read about a mother named Naomi who was in deep despair and with good reason. Naomi had lost not only her husband but two sons as well.
It is recorded in the book of Ruth that Naomi and Elimeleck and her two sons had to leave their home in Bethlehem, Judah, and move to Moab because of a famine in Judah. Elimeleck died in Moab and Naomi was left with her two sons. Her two sons soon married Moabite women. Soon after, her two sons died and this left Naomi a widow with two widowed daughter-in-laws. In those days widows without family were destined to a life of poverty.
In the ten years since Naomi had left her home in Bethlehem she had suffered great loss and terrible hardship. She had lost everything. Who could blame her for feeling despair and hopelessness? Naomi decided to return to her homeland and Ruth (one of her widowed daughter-in-laws) went with her.
Naomi felt like many single moms feel. She felt she had more than she could cope with. She could see no hope in her future and she had become bitter.
Upon her return to Bethlehem when those who knew Naomi greeted her by her name her despair and bitterness welled up in her and she let it all out: “Don’t call me Naomi,” (which means pleasant) she told them. “Call me Mara,” (which means bitter). I went away full, but the Lord brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”
Although Naomi had faith in God it is evident by Naomi’s words that despair has over-whelmed her. She lashes out at God and blames God for allowing what has happened to her. This is typical of people who have allowed circumstances to make them bitter. They look to blame someone and if they can’t blame someone they will blame God.
Naomi couldn’t see the future and she lost hope in the one that holds the future. Naomi’s sad story does have a happy ending. God in His divine providence had a purpose and a plan. Through Naomi’s daughter-in-law Ruth, God brought hope not only to Naomi but to all of us today.
As the story unfolds in the book of Ruth, Boaz, who is a relative of Naomi, marries Ruth and they have a son that they name Obed. Boaz and Ruth become the great-grandparents of David, Israel’s greatest King. More importantly, God chose to bring His Son Jesus into the world through the line of descendants of David, Obed and Boaz. Their names are listed in the genealogy of Jesus found in Ruth 4:18-22 and Matthew 1:1-16.
When we are in the depths of despair we must remember that although God allows grief to enter our life, He has compassion on us because of His great and unfailing love for us. He hears us when we call on Him and rescues us from all of our troubles. (Above verses)
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 10:13.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
PRAYER:
Thank You for Your great compassion and unfailing love. Help me to remember that when I feel despair that I can call on You and that I will know that You hear me. Thank You that I can trust You to not only hear me, but deliver me from what troubles me.
DESPAIR
DEFINITION:
Loss of hope; hopelessness; a state of mind caused by circumstances that seem too much to cope with; a sense of futility.
SCRIPTURE:
“For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great in His unfailing love”. Lamentations 3:31-32.
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles”. Psalm 34:17
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Most of us at some time in our life will experience despair --- that state of mind caused by circumstances that seem too much to cope with. Despair is what is felt by those who are so poor they do not know when they will eat again. The loss of a job for one or both parents brings despair to a family. Single moms often experience the feeling of despair as they are left to be mother and father to their child or children. With the feeling of despair comes the feeling that God no longer cares.
In the book of Ruth we read about a mother named Naomi who was in deep despair and with good reason. Naomi had lost not only her husband but two sons as well.
It is recorded in the book of Ruth that Naomi and Elimeleck and her two sons had to leave their home in Bethlehem, Judah, and move to Moab because of a famine in Judah. Elimeleck died in Moab and Naomi was left with her two sons. Her two sons soon married Moabite women. Soon after, her two sons died and this left Naomi a widow with two widowed daughter-in-laws. In those days widows without family were destined to a life of poverty.
In the ten years since Naomi had left her home in Bethlehem she had suffered great loss and terrible hardship. She had lost everything. Who could blame her for feeling despair and hopelessness? Naomi decided to return to her homeland and Ruth (one of her widowed daughter-in-laws) went with her.
Naomi felt like many single moms feel. She felt she had more than she could cope with. She could see no hope in her future and she had become bitter.
Upon her return to Bethlehem when those who knew Naomi greeted her by her name her despair and bitterness welled up in her and she let it all out: “Don’t call me Naomi,” (which means pleasant) she told them. “Call me Mara,” (which means bitter). I went away full, but the Lord brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”
Although Naomi had faith in God it is evident by Naomi’s words that despair has over-whelmed her. She lashes out at God and blames God for allowing what has happened to her. This is typical of people who have allowed circumstances to make them bitter. They look to blame someone and if they can’t blame someone they will blame God.
Naomi couldn’t see the future and she lost hope in the one that holds the future. Naomi’s sad story does have a happy ending. God in His divine providence had a purpose and a plan. Through Naomi’s daughter-in-law Ruth, God brought hope not only to Naomi but to all of us today.
As the story unfolds in the book of Ruth, Boaz, who is a relative of Naomi, marries Ruth and they have a son that they name Obed. Boaz and Ruth become the great-grandparents of David, Israel’s greatest King. More importantly, God chose to bring His Son Jesus into the world through the line of descendants of David, Obed and Boaz. Their names are listed in the genealogy of Jesus found in Ruth 4:18-22 and Matthew 1:1-16.
When we are in the depths of despair we must remember that although God allows grief to enter our life, He has compassion on us because of His great and unfailing love for us. He hears us when we call on Him and rescues us from all of our troubles. (Above verses)
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 10:13.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
PRAYER:
Thank You for Your great compassion and unfailing love. Help me to remember that when I feel despair that I can call on You and that I will know that You hear me. Thank You that I can trust You to not only hear me, but deliver me from what troubles me.
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